Kinetic Characterization of the Ca2+-pumping ATPase of Cardia Sarcolemma in Four States of Activation

Luminal Ca2+ regulation of RyR1 Ca2+ channel leak activation and inactivation in sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane vesicles

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the RyR1 Ca²⁺ channel closure is sensitive to outward trans-SR membrane Ca²⁺ gradients established by SERCA1 pumping. To perform these studies, we employed stopped-flow rapid-kinetic fluorescence methods to measure and assess how variation in trans-SR membrane Ca²⁺ distribution affects evolution of RyR1 Ca²⁺ leaks in RyR1/ CASQ1/SERCA1-rich membrane vesicles. Our studies showed that rapid filling of a Mag-Fura-2-sensitive free Ca²⁺ pool during SERCA1-mediated Ca²⁺ sequestration appears to be a crucial condition allowing RyR1 Ca²⁺ channels to close once reloading of luminal Ca²⁺ stores is complete. Disruption in the filling of this pool caused activation of Ruthenium Red inhibitable RyR1 Ca²⁺ leaks, suggesting that SERCA1 pump formation of outward Ca²⁺ gradients is an important aspect of Ca²⁺ flux control channel opening and closing. In addition, our observed ryanodine-induced shift in luminal Ca²⁺ from free to a CTC-Ca⁺-sensitive, CASQ1-associated bound compartment underscores the complex organization and regulation of SR luminal Ca²⁺. Our study provides strong evidence that RyR1 functional states directly and indirectly influence the compartmentation of luminal Ca²⁺. This, in turn, is influenced by the activity of SERCA1 pumps to fill luminal pools while synchronously reducing Ca²⁺ levels on the cytosolic face of RyR1 channels.

Calcium Signaling in Glioma Cells: The Role of Nucleotide Receptors

Calcium signaling is probably one of the evolutionary oldest and the most common way by which the signal can be transmitted from the cell environment to the cytoplasmic calcium binding effectors. Calcium signal is fast and due to diversity of calcium binding proteins it may have a very broad effect on cell behavior. Being a crucial player in neuronal transmission it is also very important for glia physiology. It is responsible for the cross-talk between neurons and astrocytes, for microglia activation and motility. Changes in calcium signaling are also crucial for the behavior of transformed glioma cells. The present chapter summarizes molecular mechanisms of calcium signal formation present in glial cells with a strong emphasis on extracellular nucleotide-evoked signaling pathways. Some aspects of glioma C6 signaling such as the cross-talk between P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ nucleotide receptors in calcium signal generation will be discussed in-depth, to show complexity of machinery engaged in formation of this signal. Moreover, possible mechanisms of modulation of the calcium signal in diverse environments there will be presented herein. Finally, the possible role of calcium signal in glioma motility is also discussed. This is a very important issue, since glioma cells, contrary to the vast majority of neoplastic cells, cannot spread in the body with the bloodstream and, at least in early stages of tumor development, may expand only by means of sheer motility.

Calcium signaling in glioma cells--the role of nucleotide receptors

Calcium signaling is probably one of the evolutionary oldest and the most common way by which the signal can be transmitted from the cell environment to the cytoplasmic calcium binding effectors. Calcium signal is fast and due to diversity of calcium binding proteins it may have a very broad effect on cell behavior. Being a crucial player in neuronal transmission it is also very important for glia physiology. It is responsible for the cross-talk between neurons and astrocytes, for microglia activation and motility. Changes in calcium signaling are also crucial for the behavior of transformed glioma cells. The present Chapter summarizes molecular mechanisms of calcium signal formation present in glial cells with a strong emphasis on extracellular nucleotide-evoked signaling pathways. Some aspects of glioma C6 signaling such as the cross-talk between P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) nucleotide receptors in calcium signal generation will be discussed in-depth, to show complexity of machinery engaged in formation of this signal. Moreover, possible mechanisms of modulation of the calcium signal in diverse environments there will be presented herein. Finally, the possible role of calcium signal in glioma motility is also discussed. This is a very important issue, since glioma cells, contrary to the vast majority of neoplastic cells, cannot spread in the body with the bloodstream and, at least in early stages of tumor development, may expand only by means of sheer motility.

Simulation analysis of intracellular Na+ and Cl− homeostasis during β1-adrenergic stimulation of cardiac myocyte

To quantitatively understand intracellular Na+ and Cl- homeostasis as well as roles of Na+/K+ pump and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel (ICFTR) during the beta1-adrenergic stimulation in cardiac myocyte, we constructed a computer model of beta1-adrenergic signaling and implemented it into an excitation-contraction coupling model of the guinea-pig ventricular cell, which can reproduce membrane excitation, intracellular ion changes (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl-), contraction, cell volume, and oxidative phosphorylation. An application of isoproterenol to the model cell resulted in the shortening of action potential duration (APD) after a transient prolongation, the increases in both Ca2+ transient and cell shortening, and the decreases in both Cl- concentration and cell volume. These results are consistent with experimental data. Increasing the density of ICFTR shortened APD and augmented the peak amplitudes of the L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) and the Ca2+ transient during the beta1-adrenergic stimulation. This indirect inotropic effect was elucidated by the increase in the driving force of ICaL via a decrease in plateau potential. Our model reproduced the experimental data demonstrating the decrease in intracellular Na+ during the beta-adrenergic stimulation at 0 or 0.5 Hz electrical stimulation. The decrease is attributable to the increase in Na+ affinity of Na+/K+ pump by protein kinase A. However it was predicted that Na+increases at higher beating rate because of larger Na+ influx through forward Na+/Ca2+ exchange. It was demonstrated that dynamic changes in Na+ and Cl- fluxes remarkably affect the inotropic action of isoproterenol in the ventricular myocytes.

Ionic mechanisms of cardiac cell swelling induced by blocking Na+/K+ pump as revealed by experiments and simulation

Although the Na(+)/K(+) pump is one of the key mechanisms responsible for maintaining cell volume, we have observed experimentally that cell volume remained almost constant during 90 min exposure of guinea pig ventricular myocytes to ouabain. Simulation of this finding using a comprehensive cardiac cell model (Kyoto model incorporating Cl(-) and water fluxes) predicted roles for the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, in addition to low membrane permeabilities for Na(+) and Cl(-), in maintaining cell volume. PMCA might help maintain the [Ca(2+)] gradient across the membrane though compromised, and thereby promote reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange stimulated by the increased [Na(+)](i) as well as the membrane depolarization. Na(+) extrusion via Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange delayed cell swelling during Na(+)/K(+) pump block. Supporting these model predictions, we observed ventricular cell swelling after blocking Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange with KB-R7943 or SEA0400 in the presence of ouabain. When Cl(-) conductance via the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was activated with isoproterenol during the ouabain treatment, cells showed an initial shrinkage to 94.2 +/- 0.5%, followed by a marked swelling 52.0 +/- 4.9 min after drug application. Concomitantly with the onset of swelling, a rapid jump of membrane potential was observed. These experimental observations could be reproduced well by the model simulations. Namely, the Cl(-) efflux via CFTR accompanied by a concomitant cation efflux caused the initial volume decrease. Then, the gradual membrane depolarization induced by the Na(+)/K(+) pump block activated the window current of the L-type Ca(2+) current, which increased [Ca(2+)](i). Finally, the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent cation conductance induced the jump of membrane potential, and the rapid accumulation of intracellular Na(+) accompanied by the Cl(-) influx via CFTR, resulting in the cell swelling. The pivotal role of L-type Ca(2+) channels predicted in the simulation was demonstrated in experiments, where blocking Ca(2+) channels resulted in a much delayed cell swelling.

A simulation study to rescue the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger knockout mice

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) is the major Ca(2+) efflux system in cardiac myocytes, and thereby its global knockout is embryonically lethal. However, Henderson et al. (2004) found that mice with the cardiospecific knockout of NCX1 lived to adulthood. No adaptation was detected in expression levels of other proteins except for a 50% reduction in the L-type Ca(2+) current (I(CaL)) as revealed in electrophysiological studies. To predict mechanisms of survival, we simulated cardiac myocyte activity in the absence of NCX using a mathematical model of guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The NCX knockout resulted in contracture of the model cell because of a rise in the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)). However, up-regulation of the sarcolemmal Ca(2+) pump (PMCA) and/or down-regulation of I(CaL) enables steady rhythmic contractions even if NCX is totally excluded. The simulation predicted that the steady activities are maintained by a functional up-regulation of PMCA by about 2.3 times in addition to the down-regulation of I(CaL) to a half, as observed in the experiment. However, the model analysis predicted that the myocyte depending on PMCA for Ca(2+) extrusion is unstable against any changes in ionic fluxes and energetically unfavorable in comparison with the control. The reason for the instability is that the activity of PMCA driven by the ATP hydrolysis is hardly affected by changes in [Ca(2+)](i), but NCX has a reversal potential in the middle level of the action potential and is immediately affected by the Ca(2+) flux via NCX itself. The source code of the model is available at http://www.sim-bio.org/.

Theoretically predicted structures of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase and their susceptibilities to oxidation

Oxidative damage to the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) appears to contribute to the decreased clearance of intracellular Ca(2+) in the neurons of aged brain, possibly contributing to its vulnerability to numerous age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The precise sites of oxidative susceptibility have not been identified. However, it is known that calmodulin (CaM) protects the purified PMCA against oxidative inactivation, perhaps via conformational restructuring of the protein through dissociation of a 20 residue domain (C20W) in the C-terminal region that function as a CaM-binding site. In order to postulate likely oxidation sites and the mechanism underlying the protection offered by CaM, we have generated a three-dimensional model of PMCA via a combination of homology/comparative modeling, threading, protein-protein docking, and guidance from prior biochemical and analytical studies. The resulting model was validated based on surface polarity/hydrophobicity profiling, standard ProCheck, WhatIF, and PROVE checks, as well as comparison with empirical structure-function observations. This model was then used to identify likely oxidation sites by comparing time-averaged solvent accessibility of potentially oxidizable surface residues as measured from molecular dynamics simulations of intact PMCA and the PMCA sequence from which C20W has been deleted. The resulting model complex has permitted us to identify three amino acids whose solvent accessibility is greatly reduced by the C20W dissociation: Tyr 589, Met 622, and Met 831.

Protease-activated receptor-1-induced calcium signaling in gingival fibroblasts is mediated by sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release and extracellular calcium influx

Thrombin is a serine protease activated during injury and inflammation. Thrombin and other proteases generated by periodontal pathogens affect the behavior of periodontal cells via activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). We noted that thrombin and PAR-1 agonist peptide stimulated intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) of gingival fibroblasts (GF). This increase of [Ca2+]i was inhibited by EGTA and verapamil. U73122 and neomycin inhibited thrombin- and PAR-1-induced [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, 2-APB (75-100 microM, inositol triphosphate [IP3] receptor antagonist), thapsigargin (1 microM), SKF-96365 (200 microM) and W7 (50 and 100 microM) also suppressed the PAR-1- and thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i. However, H7 (100, 200 microM) and ryanodine showed little effects. Blocking Ca2+ efflux from mitochondria by CGP37157 (50, 100 microM) inhibited both thrombin- and PAR-1-induced [Ca2+]i. Thrombin induced the IP3 production of GF within 30-seconds of exposure, which was inhibited by U73122. These results indicate that mitochondrial calcium efflux and calcium-calmodulin pathways are related to thrombin and PAR-1 induced [Ca2+]i in GF. Thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i of GF is mainly due to PAR-1 activation, extracellular calcium influx via L-type calcium channel, PLC activation, then IP3 binding to IP3 receptor in sarcoplasmic reticulum, which leads to intracellular calcium release and subsequently alters cell membrane capacitative calcium entry.

Modeling beta-adrenergic control of cardiac myocyte contractility in silico

The beta-adrenergic signaling pathway regulates cardiac myocyte contractility through a combination of feedforward and feedback mechanisms. We used systems analysis to investigate how the components and topology of this signaling network permit neurohormonal control of excitation-contraction coupling in the rat ventricular myocyte. A kinetic model integrating beta-adrenergic signaling with excitation-contraction coupling was formulated, and each subsystem was validated with independent biochemical and physiological measurements. Model analysis was used to investigate quantitatively the effects of specific molecular perturbations. 3-Fold overexpression of adenylyl cyclase in the model allowed an 85% higher rate of cyclic AMP synthesis than an equivalent overexpression of beta 1-adrenergic receptor, and manipulating the affinity of Gs alpha for adenylyl cyclase was a more potent regulator of cyclic AMP production. The model predicted that less than 40% of adenylyl cyclase molecules may be stimulated under maximal receptor activation, and an experimental protocol is suggested for validating this prediction. The model also predicted that the endogenous heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor may enhance basal cyclic AMP buffering by 68% and increasing the apparent Hill coefficient of protein kinase A activation from 1.0 to 2.0. Finally, phosphorylation of the L-type calcium channel and phospholamban were found sufficient to predict the dominant changes in myocyte contractility, including a 2.6x increase in systolic calcium (inotropy) and a 28% decrease in calcium half-relaxation time (lusitropy). By performing systems analysis, the consequences of molecular perturbations in the beta-adrenergic signaling network may be understood within the context of integrative cellular physiology.

Calcium, calmodulin, and calcium-calmodulin kinase II: heartbeat to heartbeat and beyond

Calcium (Ca) is the key regulator of cardiac contraction during excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. However, differences exist between the amount of Ca being transported into the myocytes upon electrical stimulation as compared to Ca released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Moreover, alterations in E-C coupling occur in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. In addition to the direct effects of Ca on the myofilaments, Ca plays a pivotal role in activation of a number of Ca-dependent proteins or second messengers, which can modulate E-C coupling. Of these proteins, calmodulin (CaM) and Ca-CaM-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) are of special interest in the heart because of their role of modulating Ca influx, SR Ca release, and SR Ca uptake during E-C coupling. Indeed, CaM and CaMKII may be associated with some ion channels and Ca transporters and both can modulate acute cellular Ca handling. In addition to the changes in Ca, CaM and CaMKII signals from beat-to-beat, changes may occur on a longer time scale. These may occur over seconds to minutes involving phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions, and even a longer time frame in altering gene transcription (excitation-transcription (E-T) coupling) in hypertrophic signaling and heart failure. Here we review the classical role of Ca in E-C coupling and extend this view to the role of the Ca-dependent proteins CaM and CaMKII in modulating E-C coupling and their contribution to E-T coupling.

Role of alternative splicing in generating isoform diversity among plasma membrane calcium pumps

Calcium pumps of the plasma membrane (also known as plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPases or PMCAs) are responsible for the expulsion of Ca(2+) from the cytosol of all eukaryotic cells. Together with Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers, they are the major plasma membrane transport system responsible for the long-term regulation of the resting intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Like the Ca(2+) pumps of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SERCAs), which pump Ca(2+) from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum, the PMCAs belong to the family of P-type primary ion transport ATPases characterized by the formation of an aspartyl phosphate intermediate during the reaction cycle. Mammalian PMCAs are encoded by four separate genes, and additional isoform variants are generated via alternative RNA splicing of the primary gene transcripts. The expression of different PMCA isoforms and splice variants is regulated in a developmental, tissue- and cell type-specific manner, suggesting that these pumps are functionally adapted to the physiological needs of particular cells and tissues. PMCAs 1 and 4 are found in virtually all tissues in the adult, whereas PMCAs 2 and 3 are primarily expressed in excitable cells of the nervous system and muscles. During mouse embryonic development, PMCA1 is ubiquitously detected from the earliest time points, and all isoforms show spatially overlapping but distinct expression patterns with dynamic temporal changes occurring during late fetal development. Alternative splicing affects two major locations in the plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump protein: the first intracellular loop and the COOH-terminal tail. These two regions correspond to major regulatory domains of the pumps. In the first cytosolic loop, the affected region is embedded between a putative G protein binding sequence and the site of phospholipid sensitivity, and in the COOH-terminal tail, splicing affects pump regulation by calmodulin, phosphorylation, and differential interaction with PDZ domain-containing anchoring and signaling proteins. Recent evidence demonstrating differential distribution, dynamic regulation of expression, and major functional differences between alternative splice variants suggests that these transporters play a more dynamic role than hitherto assumed in the spatial and temporal control of Ca(2+) signaling. The identification of mice carrying PMCA mutations that lead to diseases such as hearing loss and ataxia, as well as the corresponding phenotypes of genetically engineered PMCA "knockout" mice further support the concept of specific, nonredundant roles for each Ca(2+) pump isoform in cellular Ca(2+) regulation.

Control of maximum sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca load in intact ferret ventricular myocytes. Effects Of thapsigargin and isoproterenol

In steady state, the Ca content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac myocytes is determined by a balance among influx and efflux pathways. The SR Ca content may be limited mainly by the ATP-supplied chemical potential that is inherent in the gradient between SR and cytosol. That is, forward Ca pumping from cytosol to SR may be opposed by energetically conservative reverse pumping dependent on intra-SR free [Ca]. On the other hand, SR Ca loading may be limited by dissipative pathways (pump slippage and/or pump-independent leak). To assess how SR Ca content is limited, we loaded voltage-clamped ferret ventricular myocytes cumulatively with known amounts of Ca via L-type Ca channels (ICa), using Na-free solutions to prevent Na/Ca exchange. We then measured the maximal resulting caffeine-released SR Ca content under control conditions, as well as when SR Ca pumping was accelerated by isoproterenol (1 micro M) or slowed by thapsigargin (0.2-0.4 micro M). Under control conditions, SR Ca content reached a limit of 137 micro mol.liter cytosol-1 (nonmitochondrial volume) when measured by integrating caffeine-induced Na/Ca exchange currents lintegraINaCaXdt) and of 119 micro mol.liter cytosol-1 when measured using fluorescence signals dependent on changes in cytosolic free Ca ([Ca]i). When Ca-ATPase pumping rate was slowed 39% by thapsigargin, the maximal SR Ca content decreased by 5 (integralINaCaXdt method) or 23% (fluorescence method); when pumping rate was increased 74% by isoproterenol, SR Ca content increased by 10% (fluorescence method) or 20% (integralINaCaXdt method). The relative stability of the SR Ca load suggests that dissipative losses have only a minor influence in setting the SR Ca content. Indeed, it appears that the SR Ca pump in intact cells can generate a [Ca] gradient approaching the thermodynamic limit.

Activation of ecto-5'-nucleotidase by protein kinase C and its role in ischaemic tolerance in the canine heart

1. Ischaemic preconditioning (IP) protects the myocardium against irreversible ischaemic injury by activating protein kinase C (PKC). The mechanism by which PKC protects the myocardium is unknown. We have shown that PKC increases the activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (ecto-5'-N) and thereby the production of adenosine in cardiomyocytes which may protect the myocardium against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in vivo. 2. The objective of this study was to elucidate the possible role of PKC-induced activation of ecto-5'-N in the cardioprotection associated with IP in the canine heart. 3. IP increased the activities of both ecto-5'-N and PKC, and minimized ischaemic damage (infarct size: 7.5 +/- 1.8 vs. 42.3 +/- 2.8%, P < 0.01 vs. the control group). Treatment with the PKC activator (4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate) also reduced infarct size (13.5 +/- 2.9%, P < 0.01 vs. the control group). 8-Sulfophenyltheophylline (an antagonist of adenosine receptors) or alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate (an inhibitor of ecto-5'-N) eliminated the cardioprotective effect of the PKC activator (infarct size: 36.6 +/- 3.9 and 34.7 +/- 4.2%, respectively), suggesting that PMA limits infarct size by increasing the activity of ecto-5'-N and the adenosine level. 4. The PMA-induced cardioprotection was blunted by GF109203X (an inhibitor of PKC, infarct size: 36.2 +/- 3.1%), but not by pretreatment with dexamethasone (infarct size, 14.2 +/- 2.6%). 5. We conclude that the PMA- and IP-induced cardioprotection is attributable to phosphorylation and activation of ecto-5'-N.

The plasma membrane calcium pump--a physiological perspective on its regulation

This review focuses on the physiological role of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)+ Mg(2+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (PM Ca(2+)-ATPase) in cellular signalling. Particular attention has been paid to the regulation of the PM Ca(2+)-ATPase (PM Ca2+ pump) by calmodulin, proteases, protein kinases, acidic phospholipids and oligomerization in intact cells. We also review recent work investigating the possible regulation of the PM Ca2+ pump by G proteins and agonists. The source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Ca2+ in fueling and activating the Ca2+ pump is discussed, as well as the possible role of the PM Ca(2+)-ATPase in subplasma membrane Ca2+ regulation. The physiological implication of the localisation of the PM Ca2+ pump in caveolae is also considered.

Relaxation in ferret ventricular myocytes: role of the sarcolemmal Ca ATPase

In ferret ventricular myocytes the rate of intracellular Ca concentration [Ca]i decline and relaxation is remarkably fast (compared with rabbit and rat) under conditions where both the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca uptake and Na/Ca exchange are inhibited. Here we explore the possibility that this rapid [Ca]i decline in ferret cells is attributable to the sarcolemmal Ca ATPase by using carboxyeosin (a potent inhibitor of the sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase). We compare the effects of carboxyeosin with those of elevated extracellular [Ca] ([Ca]o) (a thermodynamic approach to limit Ca transport by the sarcolemmal Ca ATPase). In rabbit cells, carboxyeosin and high [Ca]o slowed [Ca]i decline similarly and both virtually abolished [Ca]i decline when mitochondrial Ca uptake was also inhibited. In ferret cells, carboxyeosin treatment produced these same effects on [Ca]i decline, but high [Ca]o did not mimic them. Moreover, only in carboxyeosin-treated ferret cells did additional inhibition of mitochondrial Ca uptake nearly abolish [Ca]i decline. We conclude that, carboxyeosin loading can inhibit the sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase in intact myocytes; that this pump seems likely to be responsible for the much faster relaxation observed in ferret cells after block of SR Ca accumulation and Na/Ca exchange transport and that the sarcolemmal Ca pump apparently has different characteristics in rabbit and ferret ventricular myocytes.

Distinct mechanisms of inhibition of purified cardiac sarcolemma Ca(2+)-ATPase by two calmodulin antagonists

The effects of calmidazolium and compound 48/80 were studied in four different states of activation of the purified Ca(2+)-ATPase from cardiac sarcolemma: "basal" or unactivated, activated by calmodulin, activated by phosphatidylserine, and activated by controlled trypsinization. When assayed in the presence of phosphatidylcholine as the sole phospholipid (basal state), the purified enzyme was resistant to inhibition by calmidazolium (0.1 to 3 microM). In the same range, calmidazolium inhibited the enzyme activated by controlled proteolysis as well as the calmodulin-activated enzyme regardless of the calmodulin concentration. The phosphatidylserine-activated enzyme was inhibited at higher calmidazolium concentrations due to non-specific trapping of the inhibitor by the excess of phospholipid. Addition of calmidazolium did not modify the K0.5 for calcium activation of ATP hydrolysis by the enzyme. The inhibition by calmidazolium was counteracted by Pi. Compound 48/80 also had no effect on the enzyme when only phosphatidylcholine was present and, like calmidazolium, it inhibited the calmodulin-activated enzyme and the phosphatidylserine-activated enzyme. The apparent Ki for inhibition by compound 48/80 was dependent on the calmodulin concentration. However, the enzyme activated by controlled trypsinization was insensitive to compound 48/80. Binding of 48/80 to the enzyme in the presence of phosphatidylserine or calmodulin reversed the increased affinity for Ca2+ caused by these activators.

Cyclic AMP stimulates Ca(2+)-ATPase-mediated Ca2+ extrusion from human platelets

The effect of cAMP on active Ca2+ extrusion across the plasma membrane of intact human platelets was studied using quin2, a fluorimetric indicator of free Ca2+ in the cytoplasmic compartment ([Ca2+]cyt). Elevations of cAMP were achieved by incubation with dibutyryl-cAMP or by forskolin, which was found to selectively elevate cAMP without affecting cGMP levels. Progress curves of Ca2+ extrusion from quin2-overloaded platelets were measured. The rate vs. [Ca2+]cyt characteristic was calculated as previously described (Johansson, J.S. and Haynes, D.H. (1988) J. Membr. Biol. 104, 147-163). Forskolin, at a maximally effective concentration of 10 microM, was shown to stimulate Ca2+ extrusion by increasing by a factor of 1.6 +/- 0.5 the Vm of a saturable component, previously identified with a Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase located in the plasma membrane. Neither the Km (80 nM) or Hill coefficient (1.7 +/- 0.3) of the Ca(2+)-ATPase was affected. Forskolin had no effect on the linear, non-saturable component of extrusion (previously identified with a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger) over the [Ca2+]cyt range examined (50-1500 nM). Dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2-cAMP, 1 mM) stimulated the Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase component of Ca2+ extrusion by a factor of 2.0 +/- 0.6. Separate experiments showed that 10 microM forskolin reduces the resting [Ca2+]cyt from 112 nM to 96 nM. Mathematical analysis showed that this can be accounted for by the above-mentioned increase in Vm of the pump, countered by a 37-74% increase in the rate constant for passive Ca2+ leakage across the plasma membrane. The results suggest two mechanisms by which prostacyclin-induced elevation of cAMP inhibits platelet aggregation: (a) lowering of resting [Ca2+]cyt and (b) increasing the rate of Ca2+ extrusion after the initial influx or triggered release event.

The plasma membrane calcium pump: a multiregulated transporter

Activation of many cells, especially nonexcitable cells, results in a Ca(2+) transient that is influenced in part by the kinetics of active extrusion of Ca(2+) across the plasma membrane. The molecular cloning of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-pump has helped to clarify the relationship between its structure and function. The Ca(2+)-pump is controlled by multiple regulators, including calmodulin, phospholipids and various kinases. Longer term control is achieved through regulation of its gene expression, and the presence of a number of Ca(2+)-pump isoforms that differ in their regulatory domains provides potential functional diversity. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms that regulate the function of the Ca(2+)-pump, and their physiological significance.

Adenosine reduces the Ca2+ transients of isoproterenol-stimulated rat ventricular myocytes

Adenosine in the heart attenuates the contractile and metabolic effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation. The effect of adenosine on changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) elicited with electrical stimulation was studied in rat ventricular myocytes in the absence and presence of isoproterenol (ISO). Fura-2 was utilized as a Ca2+ indicator. Autofluorescence was determined, and in vivo calibration was conducted, for each myocyte. Phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA; 10(-7) M; 5 min), an adenosine A1 receptor agonist, had no effect on the Ca2+ transient magnitude (TM) or the rate of Ca2+ transient decline determined at 150 nM Ca2+(i) (RD150). ISO (10(-8) M; 1 min) in the continued presence of PIA resulted in a 16% increase in the TM, but no change in the RD150. Inhibiting the PIA with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 10(-7) M; 3 min) in the continued presence of ISO plus PIA resulted in a further 51% increase in the TM and a 57% increase in the RD150. In PIA-treated myocytes, ISO-induced spontaneous high-frequency Ca2+ transients occasionally were observed after the inhibition of PIA by DPCPX. The results of this study suggest that adenosine attenuates myocardial contractile responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation, in part, by reducing the beta-adrenergic-induced changes in the Ca2+ transients occurring in the contracting ventricular myocyte.

The pH dependence of the cardiac sarcolemmal Ca2(+)-transporting ATPase: evidence that the Ca2+ translocator bears a doubly negative charge

The pH dependence of the Ca2(+)-transporting ATPase of bovine cardiac sarcolemma was determined in a membrane vesicle preparation. The maximal velocity (Vmax) at saturating external Ca2+ showed a sigmoidal pH dependence with maximal values in the 6.0-6.5 range, a half-maximal value at 7.2 and minimal (less than or equal to 15%) values at pH greater than or equal to 8.0. The apparent affinity for Ca2+ (1/Km) varied over 10(4)-fold for 6.0 less than or equal to pH less than or equal to 8.5, increasing with increasing pH. Plots of log(1/Km) vs. pH were biphasic. In the acid range (6.0 less than or equal to pH less than or equal to 7.2), a slope of 2.6 was observed for the calmodulin-activated form of the pump. For 7.2 less than or equal to pH less than or equal to 8.5, a slope of 0.5 was observed. At pH 7.4, the Km is approx. 48 +/- 19 nM. The Ca2+ pump of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum in the same preparation had a Km of 304 +/- 115 nM and showed a similar pH dependence except that the slope in the acid range was 1.7. When calmodulin was removed from the sarcolemmal pump, its Km was raised to approx. 1.0 microM, the slope in the acid range was reduced to 1.7 and the Vmax was markedly reduced. The results are explicable in terms of a model in which each of the two Ca2+ binding sites on the pump contains two buried COO- groups responsible for high affinity. The Km effect is explained by 2 H+ vs. 1 Ca2+ competition for occupation of each of the two cytoplasmically-oriented translocators (4 H+ vs. 2 Ca2+). The Vmax effect is explained by counter-transport of H+. The findings are considered in terms of the published amino acid sequence of the cardiac sarcolemmal pump and recent site-directed mutagenesis vs. function studies identifying the Ca2+ binding site in the skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum pump. The kinetic data are also applied to pump behavior under conditions of ischemia and acidosis.

The calmodulin-activated form of the Ca2(+)-pumping ATPase of the cardiac sarcolemmal membrane produces Ca2+ gradients with a thermodynamic efficiency of 100%

The thermodynamic efficiency of the calmodulin-activated form of the Ca2+-pumping ATPase of the bovine cardiac sarcolemma (SL) was evaluated in sealed vesicles under reversible conditions. The free internal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) established in the SL vesicle lumen by action of the ATPase was determined as a function of the [ATP]/([ADP][Pi]) ratio for the following experimental conditions: 250 mM sucrose, 100 mM KCl, 0.1 mM Mg2+, 25 mM HEPES, 25 mM Tris, pH 7.40, at 37 degrees C, [Ca2+]o = 50 nM (1 mM Ca/EGTA buffer), 0.75 mM Mg-ATP, 0.1 mM Pi, variable [ADP]. Under these conditions, with the pump working near its Km of 64 nM, the [Ca2+]i achieved was less than or equal to 18 mM, decreasing with increasing [ADP] for [ADP] greater than or equal to 0.84 mM. A plot of the square of the [Ca2+]i/[Ca2+]o ratio against [ATP]/([ADP][Pi]) gave a straight line with a slope of 1.5 x 10(7) M. This was in agreement, within the experimental error, with the equilibrium constant for ATP hydrolysis under these conditions (1.09 x 10(7) M). These results demonstrate (1) tight coupling between Ca2+ transport and ATP hydrolysis with a stoichiometry of 2 Ca2+ moved per ATP split and (2) a low degree of passive leakage. Analysis at low [ADP] (less than 0.83 mM) showed the unexpected result that ADP increases the rate of the forward reaction of the pump. The maximal effect on the initial rate is a 96 +/- 5% increase, with an EC50 of approximately 0.4 mM (ADP). Similar but lesser stimulation was observed with CDP. The implications of the above results for the energetics of the pump and for its physiological function in the beating heart are discussed.

Ca2+ pumping ATPase of cardiac sarcolemma is insensitive to membrane potential produced by K+ and Cl- gradients but requires a source of counter-transportable H+

The sensitivity of the Ca2+ pumping ATPase of bovine cardiac sarcolemma (SL) to changes in membrane potential was studied in a preparation of sealed SL vesicles. Membrane potential was imposed by preincubating the vesicles in media of defined ion composition (K+, Cl-, choline+ and gluconate-) and diluting into media of differing ion composition. The durations of the ion gradients and relative ion permeabilities were determined in separate experiments by the dependence of the half time for net K+ (or choline+) movement coupled with these anions (Cl- or gluconate-), registered by the fluorescence of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (Chiu, V.C.K., Haynes, D.H. 1980. J. Membrane Biol. 56:203-218). Relative permeabilities were: 1.0, K+; greater than or equal to 10.0, 1 microM valinomycin-K+; 4.0, Cl-; 0.66, choline+; 0.38, gluconate-. Durations of the gradients ranged between 17 sec (KCl, valinomycin) to 195 sec (K(+)-gluconate-). In separate experiments, active Ca2+ uptake was monitored using chlorotetracycline (CTC) fluorescence, a technique validated by 45-Ca2+ measurements (Dixon, D., Brandt, N., Haynes, D.H. 1984. J. Biol. Chem. 259:13737-13741). Active Ca2+ uptake was initiated in the presence of monovalent ion gradients. The values of the membrane potentials (Em) imposed by the monovalent ion gradients were calculated using the ion concentrations, their relative permeabilities and the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. No effect of membrane potential on transport rate was observed (less than or equal to 4%, for 5-7% SD) for imposed potentials as extreme as greater than or equal to +71 and less than or equal to -67 mV. Formal analysis shows that the above observations are not compatible with models in which the Ca2+ pumping ATPase functions in an electrogenic or charge-uncompensated fashion. Further experimentation showed that the pump rate is slowed when uptake is measured at less-than-adequate concentrations of buffer (5 vs. 25 mM HEPES/Tris). This, together with further control experiments using nigericin and FCCP, gave evidence that the pump requires a source of counter-transportable H+ in the vesicle lumen. The above experimentation also underlines the need for control of internal pH to obviate erroneous interpretation of ion perturbation experiments. The results are compared with results obtained with the Ca2+ ATPase pump of skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum.